Feel healthy as you take life on

The Scottish Government’s Take Life On campaign aims to help people to improve their health in a series of easy stages, one step at a time.

David White, Scottish Government physical activity champion, explains: “Only 39 per cent of adults in Scotland are currently meeting the recommended physical activity levels, but getting active shouldn’t be viewed as a chore. It can be great fun and an opportunity to try something different or to meet new people.”

There are lots of easy ways to get off the couch and get active without shelling out for expensive things like gym memberships, and there are plenty of local organisations in the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth area who are keen to help you do just that.

The Friends of Kelvin Valley Park are currently running a Health and Heritage project which promotes guided walks, in the area and they are also improving signposting for local walking routes. They also have a new guidebook coming out in the Spring. Contact Paul Carter on 01236 822437 with any enquiries.

Paul added: “Some other local groups include Fitness Alfresco who offer weekly walks ‘for people who don’t do hills’ and Cumbernauld amd Kilsyth Ramblers Assoication”.

Walk more often - Try walking some of the way to and from your destination, perhaps getting off the bus a couple of stops early. Over time that will make a real difference to your health and fitness.

Get out at lunchtime - Going to the shops or park at lunchtime instead of staying at work will also make you feel more awake in the afternoon.

Love greenery - Gardening, or perhaps walking through local parks.

For more advice visit www.takelifeon.co.uk.